Mangaluru, Feb 25 – In a historic achievement, Flying Officer Tanushka Singh, a resident of Mangaluru, has become the first woman pilot to be permanently assigned to the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Jaguar fighter squadron.

The Jaguar fighter jet, a key asset of the IAF, had never been permanently piloted by a woman until now. Tanushka, who comes from a military background, is elated at this accomplishment. Her father and grandfather have served in the armed forces. Although her roots trace back to Uttar Pradesh, she has been living in Mangaluru since 2007 and proudly calls herself a “Kudla girl.”

Her father, retired Lieutenant Colonel Ajay Pratap Singh, currently serves as General Manager in the HSE division at MRPL.

Academic excellence paved the way

Tanushka completed her SSLC from DPS MRPL School in Suratkal, followed by pre-university studies at Sharada PU College, Mangaluru. She pursued a B.Tech in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Manipal Institute of Technology, graduating in 2022.

“Since childhood, I always dreamt of joining the armed forces. But I never imagined that I would become a fighter pilot in the Air Force,” she shared.

Initially, she aimed to join the Army through the Short Service Commission but opted for the Air Force due to the limited opportunities for women in the Army at that time. After selection, she underwent 18 months of rigorous training as an IAF cadet at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Tamil Nadu. She was later commissioned as an officer and underwent an additional year of training as a fighter pilot, where she flew the Hawk MK 132 aircraft.

Currently on leave in Mangaluru, Tanushka will soon report to the Jaguar squadron for active duty. “Some female pilots have flown the Jaguar fighter jet for training purposes, but this is the first time a woman has been permanently assigned to the squadron,” a retired military officer said.

“This is my true calling”

Recalling her first training flight, Tanushka said she felt no fear, only excitement. “I knew this was the life I truly wanted,” she said.

Encouraging young aspirants, she emphasized the need for confidence, integrity, and leadership skills to join the armed forces. “Anyone with these qualities should give it a try,” she advised.

Though originally from Lucknow, Tanushka proudly identifies as a Mangalurean. “I speak Kannada, but I couldn’t learn Tulu,” she added with a smile.

Translated from Kannada article by Venu Vinod K.S.